Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal

I have not had my SCS removed, but I can empathize with the situation you're in. My ABBOTT SCS never worked from day one of implant.
Based on the very negative experience I had in terms of the implantation and subsequent failure of the unit to deliver relief, I have not been willing to entertain the thought of anyone ever slicing up my back again.
The two times I allowed an orthopedic surgeon to open my back have only resulted in more pain.........pain that will last the rest of my life.
Everyone's situation is different and if you can tolerate removal of the 2nd unit, I support your strength and resolve to find relief.
It's a shame that so many of us have suffered (not improved) as a result of these spinal cord stimulators that are so vigorously "pushed" by both vendors and surgeons.
I truly wish you the best going forward.

Thank you. Appreciate your thoughts. You are right when you say that orthopedic surgeons can be a blessong or a curse. When it comes to back pain, it boils my boils when they are so quick to say, :Spinal fusion, ASAP!". Get second, even third opinion. That is my biggest regret, letting that guy cut into me.

Hi, @heisenberg34, you may find this article from John Hopkins Medicine of interest:

- Spinal Cord Stimulator Removal: Q&A With a Neurosurgeon
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/spinal-cord-stimulator-removal-qa

I'd also like to invite back @mamabear62 who posted in 2020 wondering about having a spinal cord stimulator removed in the neuropathy group:

- Anyone had a spinal cord stimulator removed? Replaced?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/spinal-stimulator/

@heisenberg34 - this all sounds like a really frustrating situation, have you discussed the possibility of changing out the battery so that you can get your MRI? After reading the article from John Hopkins, it sounds like you are not alone in your experience with not obtaining relief from a spinal cord stimulator. Have you discussed your desire to have your SCS removed altogether?

Thank you for the link to the Johns Hopkins article. I did not know and was never told that an SCS could be the cause of new medical problems several years after implant.

On my list. 😊

I had my Metronic’s stimulator removed after 4 to 6 months; the Metronic’s reps (in my opinion) are not qualified or have enough staff to support the stimulators. I have have a Metronic’s pain pump implanted five (5) years ago and since there is no aftercare my Metronic’s as my doctor manages the amount, type, and settings it’s been my life saver compared to other pain pills prior to the implant. Yes I need to have the pain pump replaced this year but that is not a concern for me.

I had the Medtronics pain pump implanted in April. Took 5 or 6 adjustments to feel any relief. After another adjustment, my pain dropped down to about a 2. It was great. Then, about a week and a half later, most of the pain returned. I had to go back on Tramadol. They refilled it back in July and did the dye test to make sure everything was working OK. Everything checked out, but I am nowhere where I was back in late June. Did you have to have quite a few adjustments before your pain level dropped? What pain level would you say that you are at on an average day? I really thought the pump would do much more than it has been doing. Appreciate any helpful info.
Chris
PS: are you on morhine or hydromorphone? Do you know what your dosage is? I know, so many questions, but I am desperate for some answers.

@heisenberg34 Hey there, I have a Boston Scientific Alpha WaveWriter and I love it, and have had no problems with it thus far *crossing fingers*. It is also MRI safe, fyi. I would check into this company - they're big enough to uphold their reputation, and their people are wonderful. Just sayin. Good luck to you - let me know if you have any questions! That really stinks about having it removed ... 🙁

Man. I wish I had seen these comments before I was talked into getting the Medtronics one installed

Wish it were that simple. When they swapped out the Medtronics battery for the Nevro, they kept the old paddle and lead. They had to use an adapter in order to connect the new battery to the old leads. The adapter makes having an MRI not possible. My own fault for being so gullible. I was desperate for pain relief (aren't we all) that I let a NEVRO rep fast talk me into getting the new battery. I was 99% certain that the new unit would give me relief...NOT!
Now I have the pain pump which is giving me minimal relif, even though stats say that 94% of patients get at least 50% relef. Guess what? NOT ME!